Senior Flight Software Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

We are seeking a dedicated embedded software developer eager to solve hard problems in space using best-practice software development practices. The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (JHUAPL) Space Exploration Sector develops spacecraft for both National Security applications and NASA funded exploration missions. Our group is a collaborative team of software developers, applied mathematicians/physicists and embedded system engineers that develop flight software and simulations for JHUAPL-developed spacecraft. Our embedded software developers work closely with hardware engineers to provide a rock-solid, continuously tested software stack capable of commanding and relaying data from billions of kilometers away. We value pushing the boundaries of the possible, staying up to date with software practices, and constantly infusing our knowledge into our spacecraft and the systems that support them.

Requirements

A Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
At least 5 years of experience in software development (years pursuing graduate degrees may also be combined toward this qualification).
Expertise in C and C++.
Experience with scripting languages (Python, Ruby or PERL).
Experience with decentralized version control and configuration management systems, such as Git.
Strong interpersonal skills, initiative, and independent follow-through.
Able to obtain a Top Secret/SCI level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

A MS or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
At least 7 years of professional work experience.
Familiarity with flight software libraries, applications, and frameworks including NASA's cFE (Core Flight Executive).
Experience with real time operating systems including RTEMS, RT Linux and VxWorks.
Experience with DevOps pipelines like GitLab and Bamboo.
Experience with additional languages such as Rust or Go.
Experience using or configuring containerization frameworks such Docker/Podman and Kubernetes.
Experience with networking and communication protocol development such as TCP/IP, mesh, CCSDS protocols, DTN.
Experience leading software development teams.
Possess a TS/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

Using solid embedded practices to build the software that runs a spacecraft.
Building and maintaining a robust testing pipeline at the unit, application and system testing levels.
Communicating with other spacecraft teams including avionics, telecommunications, networking, navigation, systems, and integration and test to understand flight software interfaces and requirements.
Design, implement and test software to solve problems in a variety of embedded environments, with an emphasis on modular, reusable software.
Working with technical specialists at JHUAPL to research, advance, and advocate for emerging software practices, architectures and languages.